CR Rae writes about U.S. travel, including family-friendly activities.

More than a State Park

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About this blog

By CR Rae

CR Rae writes about U.S. travel, including family-friendly activities. She likes to find unique, off-the-beaten-path things to do in even the biggest cities. Traveling the highways and byways, she finds the dirt on the back roads and the ins and
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CR Rae writes about U.S. travel, including family-friendly activities. She likes to find unique, off-the-beaten-path things to do in even the biggest cities. Traveling the highways and byways, she finds the dirt on the back roads and the ins and outs of some of the most fun and interesting places -- giving you, the traveler, those little tidbits of info to get the most from your travels.

This travel destination might sound like a state park, but it is so much more.<>>

Whether you are looking for a peaceful, serene place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature or wanting plenty of revved up action, Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio will fit the bill for your road trip.

Roll the windows down––take in the fresh, crisp clean air of the forest covered rolling hillsides––feel the history as you drive past the rock formations and through the hollows.

Hocking Hills is the only US destination to make BuzzFeed.com's list of "22 Stunning Under-the-Radar Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List" in 2014. The distinguished list included many places such as El Djem, Lofoten Islands, Norway, Cambodia and this park, located just 40 miles from Columbus.

The park was slated as one of the most unspoiled spots in America. A must for nature lovers. The hills are filled with cliffs, gorges and waterfalls and was once inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Delaware and Shawnee.

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This destination makes for a great road trip for all ages, whether you are a hiker, biker, horseback rider, camper or a love to drive through the park, take in the scenery and stop for lunch person––you will find the fun you are looking for in these forest covered hills. <>>

The land was carved by glaciers making a topography that is spectacular––plenty of nature to be seen.

Exploring the park:

By foot––put on your boots and explore some of the 25 miles of hiking trails winding through the park, providing a close up view of the beauty. A variety of skill level trails are available and some trails have wheelchair accessible paths. Trails lead to caves, waterfalls, rock formations and cliffs in the scenic forest. Popular areas include Old Man's Cave, Grandma Gatewood Trail and Conkle's Hollow, which offers the best scenic view. Whether you take off on foot on your own or join in a naturalist guided hike, Native American history is abundant. Joining in one of the Shawnee storytelling hikes provides a great history lesson.

By paddle––canoe, kayak, raft or tube your way through the beauty. The Hocking Valley Canoe Livery will set you up with the needed equipment. Romantic moonlight tours and torchlight tours are available. 1-800-686-0386 or www.hockinghillscanoeing.com/.

By land––get a firsthand look at what nature has to offer on an all terrain vehicle (ATV) tour. Hocking Hills Nature Trails rents ATV’s in several locations. They focus on family oriented riding and provide on site training. 740-592-2500 or www.hockinghills.com/atvnaturetrails.html.

By rail––take a historic, leisurely scenic train ride through the hills on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. It runs Saturday and Sunday and offers a variety of special events. Trains depart from the Nelsonville Depot. 740-753-9531, http://www.hvsry.org/.

By sky–– a hot air balloon or airplane plane gives you a spectacular view of what the park has to offer. Air tours take you across scenic vistas and nature’s wonders. 1-800-606-1840, www.georgianmanner.com/hot-air-balloons.html, and for air tours 740-380-2031, www.hockinghills.com/airtours/.

By two wheels––scenic views and interesting history await you on an off-road Segway adventure. These new tours take visitors through the spectacular topography of the region––a great way to experience the natural beauty Hocking Hills has to offer including caves, native plants, wildlife and more as trained naturalists provide a one of a kind adventure. <>>

That is just part of the fun as spending the night can be quite an adventure––visitors can sleep in everything from an antique train caboose or a deluxe secluded cabin to a Mongolian yurt, authentic Sioux tipi or a beautiful inn. Visit www.hockinghills.com/stayat.html for lodging options. <>>

Food is also a popular item on the menu of this park. Smoked brisket is a delicious specialty at the Hocking Hills Dining Lodge, www.hockinglodge.com/and there is nothing like the mixed berry cobbler at the Inn at Cedar Falls,www.innatcedarfalls.com/restaurant/.<>>

For "cooking like grannies" visit Pearl's Diner in Logan, view their Facebook page. Visit Ralph's for 23 flavors of ice cream, sandwiches, home to the $5 meal deal. Or if you are looking for the home of the Bison Burger check out the Boot Factory Grill, www.rockyboots.com/the-boot-grill/the-boot-grill.html. To appease the pizza lovers stop by Pizza Crossing in Logan where you will find everything pizza, pasta and salad http://www.pizzacrossing.com/. Stop by Logan's M&M Diner for breakfast, soup, sandwiches and dinner specials. Or, maybe just grab a homemade donuts at the Ridge Inn, www.theridgeinnrestaurant.com/. The food possibilities are amazing. Visitors come back often to try them all. Visit www.explorehockinghills.com/dining/.

Hit the road, saddle up, glide through the treetops or explore from the sky, a road trip to Hocking Hills will be a big plus on your travel bucket list. Don't forget to pack your camera––capture life's beautiful moments.

The park also makes for a great fall colors destination. Visit www.ExploreHockingHills.comor call 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464) to plan your trip. <>>

As a side note for the year 2014––the Hocking County Fair is Sept. 8-13 with all the fair excitement, tractor pulls, shows, and great food and activities. Hauntings on the Hocking is always a crowd pleaser, a Halloween-themed event hosted by Hocking Hills Canoe Livery and Camping Oct. 18 and 19. <>>